The actor let slip that he would soon be reprising his role as a male stripper alongside Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Matt Bomer in the upcoming comedy during an interview with Collider.com.

He told the website: ''Yeah, it's gonna happen this fall. I think they're going to announce it soon. It's crazy. I didn't think that would be my first franchise. I never thought that would ever be the direction of my career.

''But that said, it's just proof that I don't know best, all the time. It was the most fun I've ever had, and I can't wait to get back in and mix it up with those guys.''

The first film was a worldwide hit, grossing $167 million globally against a budget of just $7 million.

With director Steven Soderbergh dropping out of shooting the sequel and Tatum busy with other projects, production was thought to be a long way off.

Rumours have been rife that Hollywood hunk Tatum is now planning to co-direct with his producing and writing partner Reid Carolin.

The actor also recently shared a picture of himself gearing up to work on the sequel's screenplay.